2024 NFL Mock Draft: J.J. McCarthy sneaks into top 3 as 4 QBs go top 5; AFC contender trades up for WR

2024 NFL Mock Draft: J.J. McCarthy sneaks into top 3 as 4 QBs go top 5; AFC contender trades up for WR

The NFL Scouting Combine is over, pro days start in days, and there’s less than two months until the 2024 NFL Draft. And in my post-combine mock draft, I have some changes. J.J. McCarthy, who I’ve warmed to in recent weeks, finds his way into the top three, and all told, four quarterbacks are off the board in the first five selections. And that fourth quarterback taken? The Vikings move up from No. 11 to grab him. And that means the Chargers are happy to trade down, acquire picks, and bolster the offensive line under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh.

Not surprisingly, eight offensive linemen go in Round 1, along with six wide receivers, five cornerbacks, edge rushers and … quarterbacks, as the Seahawks trade down to land the final QB taken in this mock draft.

More generally speaking, I was surprised at how many really good players were still on the board late in the first round — and how many will be available at the top of the second, which could lead to more trade-up scenarios in the hours between Days 1 and 2 when the actual draft gets underway on April 25.

For now, let’s get to all 32 picks in mock draft 7.0.

For more draft coverage, you can hear in-depth analysis twice a week on “With the First Pick” — our year-round NFL Draft podcast with NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. You can find “With the First Pick” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Listen to the latest episode below!

The 2024 NFL Draft will take place from April 25-27 in Detroit. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly updated draft order and a regularly available look at the eligible prospects.